Search

RMT demands investigation into railway asbestos dumping

The RMT has demanded a full investigation into gangs dumping hazardous waste alongside stations in London.

The union received reports over the weekend that police has arrested a gang on Friday thought to be responsible for the dumping of thousands of tons of asbestos and other hazardous waste adjacent to Beckton DLR station where the main DLR depot is also sited.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “First off, we want the authorities and the police to come clean and tell us just what has been going on. We have received reports over the weekend that a gang was arrested on Friday for dumping hazardous waste by Beckton DLR and clearly our members are deeply concerned as to the safety implications. It is down to the police and the local authority to end the speculation and let us have the full facts.

“RMT is demanding a full investigation and risk assessment into any dumping of dangerous materials at Beckton and we will of course take any appropriate action to defend our members and to protect their interests.

“It is wholly unacceptable that we are having to demand a formal statement when the DLR is rife with speculation. That is no way to treat passengers and staff who may turn out to have had their health compromised by the activities of a criminal gang.”